The Wisconsin was John Ringling’s private railroad car.  It was built in 1896 by the Pullman Rail Car Company. It was refurbished in 1905, at Ringling’s request.  For the next 11 years, John Ringling conducted his business aboard the Wisconsin.

     Ringling also took vacations aboard the car.to Utah and Yellowstone National Park.  They also took trips to Sarasota when they built their property in 1911…

     Like a luxury yacht, the rail car had its own monogrammed tables and glassware. 

     The car weighed 65 tons.and was wooden in construction.  Its entrance was outlawed in New York City because of the fire hazard in the city tunnels.  The Wisconsin was sold in 1911..

     The Wisconsin changed names of owners over the 20th century.  It came to rest on the side of the lake where the Atlantic and East Carolina Railroad used it as a fishing cabin for employees.